by Lerato Dumse

Zanele Muholi’s family and friends gathered for the Durban instalment of Faces and Phases 2006-14 book launch, hosted on Friday 12 December, at W section Cinema Hall, Umlazi.

The award-winning photographer who was born in Umlazi has invested the past eight years engaging with black lesbians and Transgender individuals from different South African provinces and beyond, capturing their black and white portraits.

Muholi said the book is meant to be part of the 20 years of democracy that South Africa celebrates in 2014.

Load shedding which has become a thorn in many South African’s lives threatened to disrupt the event when the lights went off at the hall without prior warning.

However, candles which were prepared as back up to the country’s unreliable electricity system saved the day, ensuring that the launch goes ahead as planned.

Muholi landed back in SA on Friday morning to attend the launch, after travelling for a month, hosting launches in New York, Stockholm, Amsterdam and France. The first book launch was in Germany in September 2014.

Four of the 250 portraits in the book, feature participants from Umlazi who were invited to be part of the special event, which saw Muholi celebrating her work at home.

People braved the rain to be part of the intimate event, which was full of heartfelt speeches from the audience and panel.

Muholi thanked the guests for coming, sending out a special thanks to her family. She reminded the audience that some Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) people don’t get support from their families, while hers is very understand. Despite her relationship with her big biological family, Muholi said she continues to make new family with various people she meets through her work.

Muholi expressed her wish of going around the country and documenting voices and pictures of people like her. She said Durban has the potential to show the world it has people who are trendy because people undermine KwaZulu Natal calling it a rural area, meaning they need to work extra hard.

The artivist said as LGBTI people they never had positive images from the media and television, because even the LGBT story lines and characters on television, are played by straight people.

Muholi shared that she met many of the Durban participants through her sister, Lizzy Muholi and how she needed to share the intimate space at the launch with people she knows and who understand the work she does.

The author closed by saying the LGBTI community should teach their families how they want to be addressed, and that they deserve to be recognised and respected.

Our special guest and participant, Nondi Vokwana…

Nondi Vokwana is a participant, who travelled from Cape Town to be one of the guests in attendance. She said she is Xhosa by birth and hails from Stellenbosch Kayamandi and Gugulethu in the Western Cape.

“I want to thank Zanele, even though she is saying thank you to us. My reason for thanking her is because the book, her life and work helps to show communities that being lesbian doesn’t mean you are a drug addict, Some of us are hard workers” She went on to share that she works as a facilitator at Vision Africa, who started working with Primary School children, before moving to High School children.

Participants in Faces and Phases series:  (L-R) Nondi Vokwana, Gazi Zuma, Teekay Khumalo, Lerato Dumse and Zanele Muholi.

Our friends who came all the way from Johannesburg to give support are Sekara Mafisa and Mlungisi Msomi.

Luh Cele, Thokozani Football Club (TFC) player, nurse and academic who spoke during the book launch…

Activist and TFC player who has since started her own soccer after meeting the photographer… © Photos by Nhlaka Muholi (12/12/2014)

Vokwana praised the book for giving LGBT people good exposure, adding that she can take the book to her grandmother who is supportive, to show that she is also educated, knows her place around elders in the street and goes to church.

Such projects show that we are not only about sex, girls and alcohol.

Since being introduced to Zanele on Christmas Eve in 2011 by a friend, Vokwana has made so many  friends, including in Durban for the book launch.

“This book is our voice, to help us stand up for ourselves, when we are being criticized and told, ‘we are changing nature’. Such projects help us respond to attacks without losing our temper, Faces and Phases also reveals we are many, and there is strength in numbers.”

Vokwana said she never chose to be gay, but rather accepted the fact that she’s gay. She believes that had she tried to please her mom and community, she would have been lost.

“I knew nothing about lesbians, I only saw gay men, I’m one of the first lesbians to come out in Kayamandi and sticks and stones were thrown at me, at first it was hard, but now everyone knows me and don’t have bad things to say about me,” she added.

Older sister Lizzy Muholi said as the Muholi family they are proud and love Zanele as she has put their surname on the map.

She further proclaimed her love for LGBTI people, as many of them in Umlazi call her mom. “As the Muholi family we thank everyone who makes it possible for the work that Zanele does to be a success.

Margaret Muholi, Zanele’s eldest sister referred to her by her childhood nickname “Coca Cola” before echoing her sister’s words for their love for the LGBTI community.

Margaret thanked Zanele for her progress, bravery, and coming out to collect fellow brothers and sisters to come together and produce this book.

“What is written ensures that even great-grandchildren can read it. This life you are living has been in existence for a long time, it is just that in the past people were in hiding,” she said before returning to her seat.

Standing up to add her voice, Cindy Ndlovu, Zanele’s niece confessed that she has a lot to say. She admitted that she is thankful for the opportunity to be part of the book launch.

“I wish there were more people here today, because the is this knowledge that I’m getting today which they don’t have, leading to them being negative towards LGBTI people. I wish I could step outside and scream for them to come inside.” Said Cindy.

It was her first time attending an LGBTI event, and pleaded to be invited again.

“I have learnt so much, I didn’t even know the term butch lesbian.

We should be included in more programs so that we can be educated and we can educate fellow heterosexuals,” ended Cindy.

Snacks, wine, and drinks were then brought out and people served themselves and continued their conversation in the candle lit room, before dispersing and calling it a night.

Related links to Faces and Phases (2006-2014)

2014 Dec. 9: Exclusive book launch of Faces and Phases in Amsterdam

and

2014 Nov. 26: Faces and Phases mini book launch @ RFSL, Stockholm

and

2014 Nov. 7: Faces and Phases (2006 – 2014) book launch in Johannesburg

and

2014 Nov. 17: MoMA talk – Photos of the night

and

2014 Nov. 17: Announcement – MoMA present two best South African artists

and

2014 Sept. 26: Visual diary from Ulm, Germany

and

2014 Dec. 1: “The portraits are no longer just pictures”

and

2014 Nov. 25: Faces and Phases – embodying the freedom of being

and

2014 Nov. 24: Our Photographs have been taken

and

2014 Nov. 20: Book Review – Faces and Phases (2006 – 2014)

She is beautiful
But she doesn’t know it or maybe
She chooses to hide her beauty
In the exterior of her hard face …
So, okay she has a hard face
And the thing is she hides her softness
In the moments that she tries not to smile
Her softness is gently imprinted
Like a soft kiss in all the faces
She has captured with her eyes
I tell you
She gives you pieces of herself
Behind the lens with every snapshot, click, still frame moment that she captures
She tells you her story
No-body looks at her carefully captured like the photos she has taken…
no-body looks at her without her name
I have looked at her without the weight of her name
Without the things she stands for
I realised that she is beautiful
With every hour she blinks approximately 1200 times
and in that time she tells you her story
Not the one that everybody knows
She tells a story of a love loss
A mother who left too soon
To see the life she built for her daughter
A mother who left too soon to see
Her daughter’s identity
Her daughter’s success
She left too soon
But she can see the legacy her daughter is making with a name she gave to her
See can see her but can’t tell her
How she feels
This is just one of the stories
These stories are a part of het beauty
When I look at you
I see that your dreadlocks hold
The memories of these streets you have travelled with every curl
You have a twist to the stories
You want to create
And they have become the construction of your being
Your mind tells us the measurement of a world
We see through your eyes
Because you see beauty in strength
The strength of women that love women,
men that love men,
women hidden in men, men hidden in women
You see their beauty and you allow them to stand beautifully
constructed in their own eyes
I know that when I look at you
I see beauty because I see
That you see beyond the socially constructed idea of beauty
and that makes these portraits beautiful… Zanele,
that makes you beautiful.

© Andiswa Dlamini
3/12/2014

A tribute to Faces and Phases.

Previous by Andiswa

2014 Jan.2: Look at me

Lebo Leptie Phume & Zanele Muholi interviewed some special friends about their Christmas wishes.

I grew up celebrating Christmas because that’s what everyone was doing and it’s not like I had a choice not to celebrate it. Even though I never understood why we celebrated the day, I did any way. All I cared about was getting new clothes from reconciliation day (December 16) until New Years Day.

Now that I am grown up, I have a choice not to follow what was set for us, but be the person I want to be. I don’t like this time of the year, hence I don’t celebrate Christmas but I wouldn’t say no to a gift.

There are a lot of material things I would like for Christmas but they are not as important right now. My Christmas wish was to spend this holiday with the woman that is close to my heart. The woman who always finds a way to make me smile effortlessly, she is the pillar of my strength. I wished for a day full of love, laughter and joy.

We asked some acquaintances to share their Christmas wishes.

My wish for Christmas is simple but very important. I wish for internal peace in our homes, in my neighbourhood streets, in my place of worship, at work, socializing places and where I do my shopping. I wish to open my eyes and find my community at peace where no man or woman is ostracized or killed because he or she is different or is from a different country.

I wish to walk hand in hand with my partner and for the boys chilling at the corner to be at peace about it. I also wish more than anything that my wish becomes a reality and that things remain that way for eternity.
Bontle Khalo
I am growing up and starting to view things in a different light. As a kid I loved Christmas and looked forward to getting new clothes. We never received presents, so I have never looked forward to any presents. However, I started to question the relevance of Christmas Day to me as a child born in Africa. My plans for Christmas was to spend the day at a friend’s place eating, laughing and just having a good time.
Lerato Dumse
I’d really love to spend Christmas with my whole family including my fathers children, which will be thee best Christmas ever. I’ve never been able to spend such holidays with them because we all live with our mothers in different parts of Gauteng. A Christmas filled with love, laughter and peace.
Ayanda Masina

I wish for joy, peace, happiness, and love upon my family and to be happy as much as I can. To win the lottery so I can buy a house, car and I wish God can bless me with all I wished for.
May Phooko

I don’t celebrate Christmas but I do spend the holiday with family and I would love a two-day holiday.
Zandile Makhubela

All I want for Christmas is love, joy and happiness. There’s nothing I value more than family. Having people I love and care for under one roof is a gift on its own. Having a home cooked meal, prepared with love and laughter is what I want. Spending it at my late grandmothers house is a blessing because not only does it guarantee a great time, it is also a way of paying our respect to her.
Boitumelo Gumede

If things were going my way I would have spent my Christmas with my family as I usually do. I wished to be home for Christmas so I could spend it with my grandfather. I wished for a new phone or sneakers, go sleep in a hotel and get all pampered with full body massages. I also wish I could find suitable space for my business.
Bathini Dambuza

My Christmas wish is to have it humanly possible to meet Christ in person. I want to thank him personally for protecting me, giving me life and wisdom that is not acquired at any university but is rather acquired from life experiences and lessons. Mostly I’d love to have his blessings in achieving all my heart desires.
Mildred Maropefela.

If things were going my way, I would have bought myself a laptop and a new hard drive for Christmas. However, I opted to divert that money into a voice training and speech course. The reason is because it is my form of survival as an artist. The entertainment industry doesn’t take one seriously, if they do not have any formal qualification. This industry feels no need to respect an artist financially if they do not have a qualification. Cheers to 2015 making us rich and famous. Love and blessings.
Christie Van Zyl

I would like to wish my late Phumy a Merry Xmas. It really hurts to spend this Christmas without her, and I would like to receive a card from my Phumy, but I cant. Merry Xmas to her…may her soul rest in peace.

Bengizojabulisa umndeni wami. Abashana bami bengifisa ukuthi bangafikelwa umunyu wokuthi akasekho ubaba wabo. Bebezogqoka izimpahla ezintsha kusasa lomncane ngangimuthembise i biycle. Umawam’ ngangimthembise imali yokuzithengela nje into ayithandayo.

Bengizitshele ukuthi sizogqoka kahle sonke, ngiqashe imoto iyosihambisa emathuneni soyobavakashela abafowethu ababili nobaba esebelele khona laphaya eMobeni Hieght. Kuyimaye sibuya sesiphana izipho, sesidla isidlo sase mini ndawonye. Ukube bengine mali eyanele kahle bengizoba nokhisimusi omuhle.
Teekay Khumalo.

If things went my way, I would have a production house registered. What I would like to receive is production equipment (Mac book pro 15-inch with media software such as final cut pro, motion, garage band, adobe suite, sound equipment, IPad with an attachable keyboard), and a pair of all stars.
Lebo Mashifane

Wow! Ok, for me I would like to receive a new car for Christmas or a new outfit.
Pastor Z. Zungu

Related links

2013 Dec. 23: Jingle bells for Trans-Bi-Gay-Les this Christmas…

and

2013 Dec. 25: Christmas that was

2014 is fast drawing to an end. For some it has been a challenging year, while for others, it was smooth sailing. In all that has happened we need to thank God for the good and the bad that we have faced.

Let us rejoice and thank God for the grace and love that is so amazing. As we enter the New Year, we must remember those who fought so hard to see it. We must think of people who fell hard but have picked themselves up and moved on.

Some have had to jump through many hoops and were hurt badly doing it, but managed to make it here. As tough as it has been for some, we thank God that eventually everything works together for the good of those that love and trust God (Rom 8 v 28).

We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (Phil 4 v 13).  Thank God for those challenges too, as there are always lessons to be learnt and we grow in those times of hardship.  Challenges also create opportunities for growth, for strength of character and for doing things differently.

It is time for us to let go and let God help us start over again. In order to achieve a fresh start in a fresh year, we need to let go of things, people and places that did not serve us well or serve us at all.  Letting go is not easy but important. When you let go, you open a space in your life for new things and new things are good for your soul. Let go of the past hurts, resentments, disappointments, anger, loss, loneliness, pain and everything else that does not add to your life. You must let go for yourself, forgive yourself and others.  Let go to be able to be the best person God created you to be.

Don’t allow anyone to make you feel small, bully you and make you feel guilty for being you.  Don’t allow people to make you feel ashamed and feel you aren’t worth anything. Let go of all the things and people that make you feel like you are a lesser person.
Take a look at yourself and reflect on the part that you have played in the story of your life this year and the way it unfolded.
How have you let others down and how did you let yourself down?

Rev. Nokuthula Dhladhla in Berea Johannesburg (2007)

Having said that, you are fearfully and beautifully made (Psalm 139 v 13-14). God knew you before you were born (Jer. 1 v 5). As 2014 ends, let it end with clearing out the negative things and people who you have surrounded yourself with. 2014 was a bad and frustrating year for me. I’m willing and able to let go and let God.

Looking back, I’m stronger now. I went through things that made me lose myself in the process. That is the worst feeling ever. So don’t despair, hang in there knowing that you are never alone. I’m grateful that in all that I had to go through, a baby was born. House of Prayer is the beginning of a new thing, a new challenge and I know that I needed to let go so that the church would be born. We try hard to be someone we are not and please people around us. It is time to let go and let God take you to a level in your life you have never been to before.

Let us stop complaining as if the world owes us favors, but rather go out there and use our lives in productive ways to work hard and win.  Contribute to the struggle against poverty, HIV and AIDS, illiteracy, ignorance, substance abuse, low self-esteem, ill-discipline and laziness. All these need a new mindset, a changed attitude, self-introspection and commitment. If we want to see change we must not hold on to the failures and the hurt of 2014. We need to forgive others and ourselves. This will be a new beginning, a new opportunity to start all over again regardless of what happened in 2014.
Our God is a God of second chances and nothing is impossible with God.  It doesn’t matter how many times you have failed or fallen, the important thing is for you to get up again.

In 2014 we have lost loved ones due to many situations; crime including hate crimes, sickness   and tragedy.  To those who lost a love one, ngithi dudu alwehlanga lungehlanga, isintu sithi lalani ngenxeba ubuhlungu baziwa yini kodwa alikho inxeba elingapholi.
We are with you in prayer.  God is the only one who knows the depth of your pain and God is the only one who can heal that pain.

Let us not forget our sisters and brothers, irrespective of challenges they faced, who brought about positive changes in our community.
We Salute and Honor you.
I pray for God’s blessing and favor to be upon your lives

May we spend the last few days of 2014 considering our own lives, our losses, our challenges and thinking of where we want to be in 2015?

Be blessed and be a blessing

Rev. Nokuthula Dhladhla

Where:  Inanda 88.4 FM offices

When:  9th Jan. 2015

Why:  Because it is much needed (we believe in building and maintaining queer relations)

Camera used:  Blackberry Z10

L-R:  Mapule Ngobese, Ramazan Ngobese, Zanele Muholi, Thandeka Msani-Ngobese, Lungile Mtsweni, Lerato Dumse and Charmain Carrol. © Photo by Nonkululeko Cele (2015)

Just wrapped up an uplifting tour at Inanda FM, where we met with Thandeka Msani-Ngobese (Founder and  Station manager).
Thandeka works with her life partner, Mapule Ngobese (Sales and marketing manager), and uses her 15 years experience to keep the station on air.
The pair works tirelessly to educate people of Inanda and surrounding areas,  about various issues including topical subjects on homosexuality, queerness, transgenderism in order to curb all the phobias that exist.

Our next visit to be announced here sooner.

BOOK REVIEW
by Mantedieng Mantis Mamabolo

The night of Faces and Phases 2006-14 book launch came (November 7, 2014) and my Friday night schedule had been cleared. I envisioned a quiet night spent cramped in a small coffee shop, drinking free (boxed) wine in a polystyrene cup, while listening to the words of a woman I have come to love and respect. What I experienced was nothing that could be expected of a typical book launch, which speaks to the creator who has shown herself to be anything but typical or ordinary.

Faces and Phases book launch held in Johannesburg on the 7th Nov. 2014

At first I drove past Market Photo Workshop, and went to the familiarity of the Bassline parking lot to ask for directions to this coffee shop of my imagined scale. I was promptly redirected to the mass collective that I had just driven past moments earlier, thinking that it could be an interesting for an after launch jam.

Featuring in Faces and Phases are Gazi T. Zuma, Lerato Dumse and TK Mntungwa at the Umlazi – Faces and Phases book launch on the 12th Dec. 2014.

I walked into the space and the energy was beautiful. The quad was littered with all kinds of beings, all wanting nothing else to do with that elongated moment but to be there. The atmosphere was infectious and I quickly found myself at home in a sea of strangers. I moved through the crowd, towards the gallery, and recognized faces that had graced the walls of Goethe Institute the year before. Also mixed into the crowd were individuals who had come to become family through interactions in the few safe spaces that have been consciously created in the realms of the LGBTIAQ existence.

Picking up the book for the first time had the same mystical effect on me. I was overcome with the feeling that there was no book more important than the one I had just opened on page one. Having learnt my lesson from the night of the book launch, I placed no expectations in my imagination, understanding it was to be nothing typical or ordinary as it is a first of its kind.

My mind entered into a space of complete clarity, beautiful in its purity and sheer honesty. The art of photography has always been majestic in its ability to tell the truths of its subjects with minimal interaction. Portraiture practiced so flawlessly by Zanele Muholi through her journey as a photographer takes this majesty to another level. It allows for a space where the truths of her subjects become the truths of her audience.

With each page that I have been absorbed in with the individual beauty of all who grace the pages of this book. With each story, the reader (me included) has no choice but to be drawn into the existence of the ones who chose to tell their stories in words and those who chose to tell their story through their eyes. The photographs and honesty tell of people who have struggled under the undeserved scrutiny of society. They tell the story of people who have triumphed against those who oppose their natural existence. They tell the story of mothers, sisters, daughters, brothers, lovers, wives, husbands etc. who want to live and love the only way they know how, and not in the manner dictated by society. The photographs and honesty in the names and words that fill the pages of Zanele Muholi’s Faces and Phases 2006-14 tell the story of injustice in the faces of those brave enough to step up and everyone else who is denied their identity.

This book has allowed me to enter the lives of many whom I thought I had figured out, by virtue of being part of the community. It took me to the depths of my own pain, strengths and possibilities. This book is one of the most important accomplishments of the LGBTIAQ community to plead the case of normalcy. As I pass on the book and leave it on my parents’ bed and you leave it in conspicuous spaces for the hetero normative identifying person, and any other person to find. I know that it will further open the eyes of allies and open the shut eyes of those ever skeptic to a nation characterized by strength, humility and beauty.

Related articles

2014 Dec. 13: Faces and Phases invokes memories

and

2014 Dec. 12: Muholi presents Faces and Phases (2006 -14) at home

and

2014 Nov. 25: Faces and phases-embodying the freedom of being

and

2014 Nov. 20: Book Review: Faces and Phases (2006 – 2014)

and

2014 Dec. 1: “The portraits are no longer just pictures”

and

2014 Nov. 24: Our Photographs have been taken

“It is a story about my coming out, its more significant than any part of
my life history”

Being who I am should not compromise who you are. The road to coming out was not easy. I was born in Zimbabwe in 1992 September 12, and grew up in the depth of a ghetto. My parents were decent enough to provide us with an opportunity to study at an A school. I never thought being lesbian would always be a miserable life style. Not until I dropped out of the closet at the age of 14 in the year 2006. What a gruesome experience!

My name is Tinashe Wakapila, Tinashe means God is with us, or Unathi and I was given the name on my christening day. Being a Christian and lesbian has always been a thorn in my life. It was hard being hurt by the women I loved, getting heartbroken a million times, and oh did I mention the priest preaching about homosexuality in church almost every Sunday?
Hearing that I would go to hell if I did not change really stressed me a lot, I was always sad. I was only 8 years old when I started liking girls and I did not know what to label it. Back in those days it was one of those “I don’t want anything with my best friend kind of love.” I dropped out of the closet many times but I would rush back in, because I was scared of the results that could take place if I didn’t.

The first tender time I was dropped out the closet was when I was in 3^rd grade. My friend asked me to feel her soft silky socks under the table to compare them with mine. As I bent down trying to feel her socks, I touched her forbidden fruit accidentally and became excited. She screamed very loud and ran off to tell the teacher. My mum was called in immediately, after receiving the whole explanation she put me on her lap and spanked me hard on my bum. I believe it was her way of dealing with the humiliation, rather than punishing me. She hit me in front of my classmates, they laughed at me and I felt anger and hatred build up inside me.
The friend who told on me?
Well let’s just say from that day I didn’t like her as much, our friendship suffered from then on. We eventually mended our broken bridges and became friends again. She is now a bisexual woman, very much into LGBTIQA rights like me, we laugh at this story.

Grade 8 was the worst; I went to an all girls’ school. My true feelings started coming out then, as I checked out girls. My first kiss came from a cute 9^th grader from my school, she was doing it to learn for boys. Whatever her reasons, I did not care. I liked it, but it marked my second coming out. I would not call it coming out, but the good term would be “found out” or “caught.” I was this cute tomboy and every girl had a crush on me. I had some girls that I liked as well, so I had a hard time choosing. I had one girl that I denied access to my heart, out me this time. She was our school prefect. Not long after having my then girlfriend, I had this first prefect scare me to death. I call it a near outing take place at school. She dragged my girlfriend and I to the principal’s office after she caught us kissing. The whole school was booing behind us. The scripture union club sang their spiritual songs as we passed them.

They chanted and said we were possessed by demons. The prefect who found us kept on shouting, “how could you kiss another girl?”
I wanted to respond to her question by saying “I was making out with my girlfriend hahaha.” I found an alternative answer and said we were just doing stage props for an upcoming school play Romeo and Juliet. I played Romeo of course and my girlfriend played Juliet. So our argument was we were practising the kissing part.
The prefect let us go scot-free. We where told that no kissing will happen in the play whatsoever. I asked, “if we were doing the play with boys, would the girl and boy kiss?” they said yes, it is appropriate. I was shocked. Whenever two people are in love hiding it is never easy, so we got caught again. That time there was no hiding, we were wrapping up our lines and actions, and I remember it like it was yesterday, with a vivid picture of what transpired.

When she came and said to me, “what if we kiss the parts we’re supposed to kiss?” (When they dim the lights and pretend we kissed). I was like, “anything to entertain people.” She insisted, and really moved closer to me saying “I’m going to kiss you right now!”

I asked her what if the teacher comes and finds us kissing, wont we be in hot soup?
She was not taking no for an answer, she said, “come on let’s be naughty.”
Before I knew it we were kissing again. The prefect, who liked me but had denied my heart, came budging in with the other cast members of Romeo and Juliet. Everyone got scared and went out and they started whispering. The prefect came to us and in a rude way asked what we were doing. My girlfriend was giggling as she buttoned her blouse.

She was giggling because she knew the prefect was like us too, she lied that we were practising our lines but it was not true because we had been told no kissing. The prefect got so mad and went on with her real story, “so you ditched me for a
junior, how could you humiliate me like that? I am a prefect,” she added gritting her teeth. I knew it was not going to end well, so I tried by all means to hush the story but both the girls where on fire. I still wish I had ran out of the school, rushed home and just disappeared, because what happened after led me to a tough teenage life growing up. Both the girls started quarrelling and the prefect took charge and led us straight to the principal’s office, because of jealousy. This time the student body was running behind us, chanting all over again. It was obvious now and I have never felt so embarrassed. As we walked down the corridors I begged her not to turn us in. The more I begged the more excited she got. I decided to shut up.
When we got to the principal’s office the prefect went in and told the principal on us, our parents were called. I felt dizzy, my heart was pounding and my palms were sweaty. Knowing that my mother is a Christian woman; I felt she would just burn me at the stack herself. My body shook uncontrollably I swear I peed myself that time.
I heard voices inside my head asking questions.
How will I explain this?
How will I get through this?
Will they get me?
I still ask and remember imagining myself running as fast as I could out of the headmistresses’ office. I imagined running to the highest school building and jumping off! Dying on the spot. My parents finding my dead body and wished they could’ve done it themselves because it was unbearable for them. I snapped out of my imagination and got in her office and waited for our parents, the disciplinary hearing committee was there, opening bibles and lecturing us with all sorts of scares because of what we had done. Both our parents got in and without further delay my girlfriend’s mother got in, came straight to me and slapped me. It shocked no one but me. Instead, they all felt pity for the lady who slapped me.
Whispering how it was wrong for me to do what I was doing with her daughter. She said, “if you do not answer why you are dragging my daughter into your satanic cult culture I’m going to beat you harder!”

I just stared at her with tears streaming down my 14 year old face; I looked down and told her I did not understand. Fear, embarrassment and homophobic comments made me cry so hard I could not stop. My mother apologised but my girlfriend’s mother did not, she asked for a transfer letter and that was the last time I saw her. My mother begged the principle not to expel me, it was a process but luckily after days of trying they did not expel. They agreed that I should go to a correctional facility (probation). I was scared, hurt, and angry. Then resorted to deathly behaviours like cutting my hand, wrist, and thighs, for me to focus on something else. It was worse when some of my aunts agreed to take me to white garment churches, being young sometimes is difficult. I went along with it because now I was convinced enough that I was bad and evil. The only place I had seen in a newspaper that I thought would help me was open to 18 year olds going up. I washed in every river I could think of and given prayer marbles etc.

Finally it was processed I had to stay in a probation centre (PC), because I really had a problem. The application got processed after my mum and dad had sat me down and asked me why I was doing it. All I said was I don’t know how it started. So in their mind it clicked that I did not like it, so I needed to be ”corrected”.
It was November 15, in 2006 when a police van came to pick me up at home. We had enjoyed a family gathering; I think it was my farewell to go for probation. Two police officers collected me one female, one male. My bags were packed and I kept asking what was happening. All I could hear were whispers; my parents were standing there agreeing to every bit of the discussion. All my relatives were whispering in each other’s ears, my aunt went on to say, “I think she was the cause, it was hard finding a job, maybe not her as such, but that male demonic spirit she is carrying.” My uncle responded by saying, “to even think she received the Holy Communion in the mass celebration.” My cousin chopped him off with an interesting statement; “I think she was taking the holy body of Christ to their temple for their devil sacrifice.” All these whispers were audible, I started questioning myself if there was even any meaning to what they were saying I was only 14 years old and found myself in the back of a police van.
We reached the PC and found that there were a few children; it had just been set up. Children assembled, jogging and marching like soldiers, “where are we?“ I asked the other girl who was in the van with me, “we are in the correctional facility,” she replied. With a shocked look I repeated the question; before she could answer she was yanked off followed by me, then led to the gate of the correctional facility. I was so lost, why was I being corrected, was it the incident that happened at school? The incident I dare not repeat. We were locked in a small room and they locked me up in a room with a girl whose correction was to stop stealing. She was so beautiful and I acknowledged it to her. She asked me why I was in and I told her my story, she feared. The following morning I woke up, stared outside the window and saw the two police officers staring at my burglar window. The tiny room I was in was not ideal for me, and the other girl farted a lot during her sleep. Every morning the room had a bad smell, they had to put me there, and they had to make me suffer.
My liking of girls was just not allowed anywhere in the country. One preacher who came to counsel us explained that our country is Christian, and does not tolerate it, including our president. I raised my hand and asked what if I was born like that? His response was readily prepared, “I guess it means your parents are cursed and being here is right for you because you will be changed.”
That night I wished I had not asked, they put me in a circle and prayed for me. Some pushed me hard I fell on the ground, when I asked them to stop they would say it is the demon being burnt. This went on for months; the fourth month on probation was really hard. The girl thief I shared my room with protested and said I was making moves on her, that I was trying to have sex with her. I got a time schedule for beatings because I needed both spiritual and physical discipline. I always cried until I had no more tears. I still cry hard when I think of it. I suffered homophobia at a tender age, when I was supposed to be up and about getting skinned knees and bruised hearts. Instead I was getting skinned buttocks from tjamboks and grilled hands for every wrong response. I learned how to lie and play innocent. When I got caught kissing a girl drastic measures were taken, landing me in a correctional facility. But when my friend was caught in her parent’s house or school classrooms with her boyfriend they just brushed it off.

In that correctional facility I met children who were thieves, sugar daddy fans, you name all the wrong issues that should not be associated with children, and I became part of them because of who I was in love with. 7 months passed and I came out of the PC. They were sure I was “corrected”. Remember you can change and stop stealing, start asking nicely. You can change from sugar daddies to liking boys your own age etc. As for me, what was I to change?
Should I be a person who forcefully loves the opposite gender?
I walked free at last and grew up very careful of who I was. I sat down when I turned 18 and I asked, “why am I oppressing myself?”

I had already paid the price with a high rate. I remember the day I got home, no one talked about this, and no one made a speech. I continued with my school and finished. I did not do well in my results because I was disturbed and lost. People just thought what a dumb girl she is. I did my diploma in secretarial and office admin, got a job, and worked while studying, so I could pay for my diploma. My mom kept suggesting that we pray together, she passed a message like, “God why did you punish me by giving me a lesbian daughter?”
It made me want to be rich quickly, to get out of my parent’s house, because every time gay issues were raised my mom in particular would ask God were she went wrong. When I got my first Job in 2009 I bought my parents thank you gifts. I don’t know why I thanked them, maybe because they are my parents after all. My mother was uptight; she does not plan to understand it. Although I utilize my diploma to get jobs, I have one goal and achievement that I’m excellent at, despite not having schools for that in my country. I still dream of pursuing arts, acting, poetry, singing, writing and activism. I am an activist who takes every chance she gets to pass positivity in the LGBTQA community.

I want to tell that little girl going through the same ordeal not to suffer. That parent who has a child like me. I just love working hard and hope one day I will reach my goal. I’m still faced with homophobic behaviour. I ask myself what would break me now that could not break a 14 year old me?
What could hurt me now, more than only having 2 meals a day when your family is lavishing?
What could break me now, more than having only the warmth of my body after bathing in ice cold water every day for 7 months of my life as a teenager?
Not eating sweets, cakes, biscuits and all the goodies?

My Answer is NOTHING!
Because who I am should never, compromise who you are. I hope whoever
reads this; young or old will learn something. Being homosexual is not
chosen. If it was a choice really I would have chosen to be “normal”
too because being bashed everyday for who you are, is not all right. It
just sets back every aspect of ones life. Homosexuality is sexuality
just like heterosexuality.

Previous life stories

2014 Dec. 1: “I lost my mom, she died in my hands”

and

2014 Nov. 24: Our Photographs have been taken

and

2014 Oct. 29: “I always avoided fights”

and

2014 Sept. 24: “At times I’d get jealous thinking she was taking my place

and

2014 Aug. 30: I’m a game changer, leader and activist

and

2014 Aug. 9: “I am not a lesbian by choice”

and

2014 Aug. 8: To be honest I love how I look

and

2014 July 26: “I was born this way and I cannot change the skin that I live in”

and

2014 June 25: I consider myself beautiful not handsome

and

2014 May 30: I was a boy who would one day grow up to be a man

and

2013 Oct. 16: I am a beautiful young dyke, a woman lover

and

2013 Oct. 12: I just feel she deserves much better

and

2014 May 8: “I was not aware that this project would be this big

and

2013 June 27: Who I Am

and

2013 June 25: The Men In My Life

by Siba Nkumbi

I have always been bad with colors, today isn’t any different. I have decided to wear a dress, my partner’s dress (I do not own any dresses), it’s kind of an orange nice little number. It started as a surprise for my better half, I wanted her to see me in a dress because I knew it would put a smile on her face. So today I did everything women do, which I never really paid attention to as my butch Steve self.

I took a long shower , exploring my body in a pleasant feminine way, followed by the long process of putting on lotion to the tiniest details. Seriously pausing to think and decide what to wear with what and how. How should I do my hair and all that Jazz. I chuckled to myself in the process, I found it interesting. It’s really the little things that count.

Own portrait of the author, Siba Nkumbi…

It was nearly time for me to go fetch my baby from work, I realised this as I stood in front of the door, contemplating taking a step further. I was about to be out of my comfort zone, I asked myself questions like “how in the world will I respond to the nosy male species and their stupid whistles?”
I thought hard and realised the main reason I was doing it, it was for me not the ignorant men outside and so I left.

The distance from Observatory to town felt like a decade, I experienced all sorts of unplesantries. From a guy sniffing me up in the taxi (I quickly sorted him out though) to a butch woman winking and running her eyes up and down my body. As if that wasn’t enough, a cab driver stopped while I was crossing the road to offer me a free ride to wherever I was going. It was disturbing realizing how much society has objectified females. Back to my mission…

I chose a short dress, summer dress and tied my hair up and I was good to go. I started having butterflies on my way to baby. It was like those times where I used to smile stupidly to myself when I saw her, while I had a crush on her. I didn’t know what to expect but I was looking forward to seeing her.

This mission was two-fold, 1: It was a surprise for my queen and 2: A statement that what you wear doesn’t determine your sexuality, plus I felt like that kinda “Super Mom” to the little girls that were taught to cover themselves in case men took it the wrong way. I felt that their generation will be better than ours somehow.

With all that said we met, she was excited and couldn’t stop telling me how beautiful I look (not that I was never pretty). It was so nice I was blushing in every way possible. With her hand around my waist we walked together, men were sneering of course. I didn’t care I was happy and it was high time they realised that the world does not revolve around them thinking they own everything in a dress. This is also for that typical woman that responds to a girl by saying “well, what did you expect from him, your dress was just to revealing.” The time is now where we need to stand up and say ENOUGH!

In inference, the decision to explore my femininity is purely because I realised that I was raised differently from other girls (like a man). I loved it, and cannot deny that. I also realised that I know almost everything there is to about manhood and a little about womanhood and I call myself a woman. This is my journey to self completion as an individual, a sister, a daughter, a partner and a mother to my beautiful dog Angelina. I am taking charge of being proudly female and lesbian, owning up to have found comfort in being called Steve, a name my mother never even gave me. I admit it was part of growing up and finding myself. Now that I have grown and big enough to know that I found myself, I will leave you with this statement. My name is Sibahle, yes that’s right I am Sibahle Nkumbi. This is who I am and who I was meant to be. I challenge you to call me by that name the next time you see me. It will help my journey. I am blessed to have found my inner self.

Previous by Siba

2014 Oct. 15: A letter to my Mom

and
 

2014 Oct. 10: “I tried to commit suicide…”

by Vuyisile Tshabalala

Our journey as a committed couple planning our wedding has come into being. Being engaged to a person like Happy Mchunu makes it easy. She fulfils me and completes my entire existence. Compromises and understanding plays a huge role in helping us to respect and believe in each other. The thoughts I had before being in a committed relationship were always about me and my daughter, but now it its different, I have my own family.

Happy in a fawn suit accompanied by Mchunu family and friends…

Bridal gifts brought by the Mchunus to the Tshabalala family…

Vuyisile and Happy being franked by church elders MaGesh, Pastor Z Zungu and Nonhle Kunene (2014)

 
We learn everyday how to appreciate the love we have for one another, how to manage our time, how to budget our finances together so that we can build and grow together towards our common goals.

Managing our emotions, respect and love for each other allows us to become fully committed partners. This is our sixth month into our engagement, and the novelty has not worn out as yet. Do not get me wrong, we have our moments of mixed emotions where we argue about the simplest of stupid things, but we make up and reconcile quickly as we know the value and love we have for each other.

Members of the Tshabalala family receiving presents as part of the Zulu tradition before the couple’s wedding…

Communication is a vital threshold in our relationship.  It allows us to express ourselves without letting the other person feel less worthy. I say we are a couple that’s together for all the right reasons. We inspire each other to always be the best and do our best.

I always related back to what Happy said to me when she proposed her heart to me

“For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart.”

Related link

 2014 Dec. 21: Sealing the union of love

and

2014 Aug. 2: Vuyisile and Happy’s umembeso

and

2013 June 15:   The Durban Lesbian Wedding of the Year

Interviews by Lebo ‘Leptie’ Phume

For years now I’ve been jotting down my new years resolutions and not even once have I followed them. I now find it useless for me to waste my time and write them down knowing very well they will never be met. So from now on ill live life the way it presents itself to me.

I have goals that I know I can achieve this year. Firstly, I want to see myself with a second photography certificate come the end of the year, and get a job so that I can be financially stable, able to feed on my fashion hunger. I would like to get myself in a modelling agency. Be the best girlfriend I can be, to my gorgeous partner. To stop waiting for special occasions before I do something special for her. Last but not least be more positive and less negative about life.

 The portraits of the author, Leptie contemplating… captured in Musgrave, Durban…

_____________

From the thousands of friends I have on Facebook, I asked those I’m close with to share their “resolutions” with me.

I don’t make resolutions, but I make plans. I dream and visualize what I want to achieve each year then work my “behind” off to make sure that I achieve my dreams. Some of the things that are on my to-do list this year are simple and some are exotic, they are all unique in their own way.

Below are some of their responses.

Firstly I will check if I needed loads of “resolutions” last year and how I stood by them. Then work as hard as I possibly can to accomplish the incomplete ones. Instead of waving dreams in the air, I’m making plans that will have significance and add meaning to my life. As clichè as this may sound, regular exercise and maintaining a balanced lifestyle is a need for me this year.
Learning something new and interesting is always fun, a value addition too. Becoming involved in community work, giving back to society is the least I can do, to make the world a better place to live in. Top of my list is getting rid of old habits and sleeping a lot . - Nceba Classen

My resolution is to attract productive people in my life. I’ve wasted too much time with people who don’t want to succeed in life. - Senzo Gwala
My new year’s resolution is to stop defending my honour and speaking to people who do not deserve it. I want to make more time for reading and my photography interest. - Selaelo Mannya

I am not one to make such. I believe in living life how I see fit, without putting pressure on myself. I know my limits and there is no need to give myself unattainable tasks. Do you, without pressure and achieve your goals when the time is right. I just want to put more energy into my ideas and see them come to life this year. – Kabelo Maleka

My New Year resolution is to work my way up to the senior management trainee position, perform my poetry, eat healthier, learn how to play a guitar and ride a bicycle. Also work on getting my poetry published by a publishing house. - Sizakele Phohleli

My resolutions start every day, not for the New Year only. It’s great to strive for something that can better yourself. I want to keep motivating people around me and one of the things I would like to improve is to be a better listener. The most important one is climbing the corporate ladder and leaving my mark, so that when I quiet, my silence will be felt. Lose weight, travel more than before and graduate and get my 3^rd qualification. - Precious Skosana

I sometimes find it quiet cliché that when a new year begins we all make resolutions. By year-end we have not done half of the things we said we would. 2014 I’ve been very unreliable at times, I sometimes failed to be the perfect daughter, sister, friend and girlfriend, and I say that with no pride. 2015 comes with a limited amount of “sorry” and whole lot of smart work and better time management. I’ve made it a mission to attend more fashion shows, read more blogs and of course productively promote my brand. - Jenna Louw

Mine is to be happy, be with people that love and appreciate me.
Who are in my life because it feels right not because they are looking at gaining something or do something for me because I will have to do in return. And of course most of my plans to go as planned. – Yaya Mavundla

It is more of short-term goals for me. Like extending my grandmother’s house, lose weight and get back to football. Most of all to empower young people the best way I can.
– Moyokazi Vooi

My resolution is to park my car in the garage every night and not at the open parking. I know it sounds crazy but it is like that. I get hurt when it rains and its just there or when its sunny it gets burned.
I told myself that this year, it will never spend a night in the open parking.
- Sana Mollo

I need to spend less on sneakers, drink less beer, keep fit and eat more home cooked meals than take-aways. Most of all, focus on my B-tech in electrical studies more than anything else.
– Asanele Ngalo

Having that relationship with God is the main, I want to improve my mental well-being. Enjoy life and hopefully stay motivated, I want to manage my finances because they get out of hand at times. I want to play football again and also need cooking lessons. - Wendy Nkotwana

Previous by Leptie

2014 Dec. 24: If things were going my

by Lebo Mashifane

Woz’ eDurban (Come to Durban)

Ukuhamba wukubona meaning “To explore is to experience”.

The 2014 festive season was quite memorable as opposed to 2013 December holidays. Just like the first climax (orgasm), it was quite a revelation – so was my virgin experience. I mean my Durban experience.

Being in Durban for the first time was immensely exciting to my personal exploration. It came with cleansing, clarity and closure. I marveled the sublime lush that brought peace to my soul. The serenity of nature was the most calming sensation; I was breathing fresh oxygen. I was also able to observe personal behaviors from the 9 other people I had travelled with from Johannesburg and spent December 30 – January 5 with, and deduced thereafter as to how to react. My way forward comes with limitations that will benefit my path and journey in this year and beyond.

Zanele Muholi’s family warmth was quite sincere, I felt welcomed and at home. It was lovely to see family members who have also heard of me but have never met me in person, with Nhlakanipho “Nhlaka” being the intermediate. I met Nhlaka Muholi (Zanele’s nephew) in Cape Town when I was still living there, and he lived with Zanele. It was lovely to see him again, he’s like a brother to me the last time I saw him was in 2013 we lost contact when I relocated to Jozi. Closing off the year 2014 with him at his home was remarkable. As much as I have spent time with Zanele, from Cape Town to Jozi, there I was in Durban still learning more about her. Not only from her professional aspect but also from her family background.

Umlazi is the township in Durban that sheltered us for the entire duration of our stay. The unleveled ground portrays its heaped hill landscape where you can see houses that are on other hills, miles away. A slope walk around P Section in Umlazi is accompanied by corn, banana and mango trees. When we entered into the new year, it was a beautiful scenery to watch the fireworks. There are no big buildings obstructing your view and living at the peak of a hill exposed the area vastly.

The author at Durban South Beach…

We went to the beach on our first morning in Durban which was the 31^st of December 2014. Durban water is warm, unlike what I’m used to in Cape Town. As I was about to enter the water I prepared myself for a cold rush, only to receive a warm welcome. It was quite a satisfactory approach because the weather was chilly. Those who stayed longer in the water got stung by sea creatures known as lue bottles. Fortunately or unfortunately I was never stung by a blue bottle so I don’t know what it’s like. Those who had the experience say it feels like a little cut or a shock sensation.

The beach is a 10 minute walk away from uShaka Marine. We went to check it out. We didn’t have money to access the rides so we just walked around the shopping centre. We got to watch and listen to a Marimba band perform live and we got to play at least one game at the game shop. Each person got 2 tokens from Lerato to self-entertain. It was great to meet Bathini Dambuza and her lovely friends who came to see us. I was looking forward to meeting Xana, I guess that will take place when the time is right.

On the 1^st of January we went to the beach again. It was so crowded, as if the entire population of Durban was at the beach. It was as if every person who was in Durban wanted to get rid of all the 2014 tension, a significance of washing away bad luck. The life gaurds notified us of possibilities of unleashed sharks. People refused to get out of the sea water and dared the shark(s) to come. They gathered at quite a depth of the sea and howled “mayize” (let it come). Well Inkanyiso media was there to document. Reporters Lerato Dumse and Sharon “Sicka Star-ban” Mthunzi with myself rolling the camera had the moment captured.

I and me crew gwan see the sea, seen
Sea guards spark a shark
Sithe siyo bona uShaka
Sa vinjwa yi shark
Amanzi ano laka
sikhishw’ emanzini si sand’oyi faka

In other words, we went to explore Durban, only to be hindered by a shark. The sea waves were rough and we were summoned out of the water just as we entered.

The following day Lebo Memela invited us to her home in Kwa Mashu (another area in Durban). We had a lovely lunch prepared by such an amazing mother. Lebo’s mother loves and supports queers; she has a gay son and a lesbian daughter. In my perspective, Kwa Mashu is more Kasi (township) whereas Umlazi has a plazi (rural) feel for me. When we were in Kwa Mashu I forgot a tad bit that I was in Durban, for a while it felt as if I was back in a Jozi kasi. Whereas Umlazi made me feel like I was in a different place from what I’m used to and I enjoyed the feeling.

The 3^rd of January 2015, Lebo and I went to a shopping mall called Workshop. It has market stalls outside where one can buy crafted items such as beads, sandals, garments, ornaments, etc. The rest of our crew went to Verulam to visit a lesbian couple that is in its 60’s. Lebo and Lebo enjoyed seafood session at one of the restaurants at the beachfront. After the 20 feasting we went to chill with Lebo’s family at the beach and met up with Katiso Kgope and Luyanda Mzimela, our other crewmembers who also didn’t go to Verulam. Luh Cele had invited us to a braai at her home that evening. It was lovely to meet some of Luh’s friends and enjoy good food and music.

The beauties at the beach, Luyanda & Katiso.
Photos by Zanele Muholi (2014)

On our second last day in Durban we went to Victory Ministries Church International (VMCI), which is a gay church in Durban. It was something out of the ordinary for me, from what I know as church. Back home I have to “dress” for church, at Victory I can “drag” for church. I have always felt that church is missing “gay-ness” (happy-ness). The last church service I attended in 2014 (at home) the pastor spoke of how he will never officiate a gay couple’s wedding. The first church service I attended in 2015 was at a gay church, Hallelujah. The pastor also announced a gay couple that is going to get married soon. Then we had the last supper at Musgrave Mall.

Durban Reflection

Its been 4 days since we have returned safe in Joburg from Durban. It is lovely to be back home to my family, it’s been a year. Hugs and kisses accompanied by words such as “complements of the new season” and “happy new year” has been a daily transaction since I have returned.  It was difficult saying goodbye to the Muholi’s, however the Mashifane’s were there to conciliate.

It was an astounding and settling come-back and welcome-back to see the people I love most. It is peaceful to receive

my lover’s kiss,
my mother’s bliss,
my friends’ art,
my family’s heart,
my home – my hut.

As I reflect on my Durban experience, I realised that I ate a lot of meat. The meat overload has caused a great craving for fruits for me. Yeah Zulu warriors know their way around their meat. I couldn’t say no to their meat because it was really scrumptious and well prepared. Anyway I love food so I indulge and devour.

I felt like a tourist being in Durban, thanks to Fane for driving us around taking us places. It was also interesting to take a taxi when Fane was not available for individual tours. The weather caused a bit of a disappointment for me. I guess I had high expectations of heat and as a result I left my warm clothes in jouburg – smart me. I only had shorts and sleeveless tops. When we got to Durban it was cloudy, chilly and drizzling. Something I didn’t expect. Lesson learned to always carry warm clothes as well, especially in South Africa.

If I was to express my discontent of watching human beings allowing themselves to be engulfed by melancholy then my expression will take one to the left. My response is filled with disappointments, I am appalled by the immature behaviour of adults that are even older than I am. It is quite shameful to watch souls waste away at such an older age. Souls degenerate themselves instead of meditating upon their own wellbeing. It’s a disgrace that we meet to succeed in the same course yet the segregation amongst us introduces animosity. To witness such impetuous disrespect is utterly despicable, especially if it’s coming from the person you respect.

There was unnecessary impudence taking place amongst some of the crew members. Being the pacifist that I am I seldom caused a riot; instead I followed nonsensical orders. It is good to know your place because then you know your limits. I am proud of myself for being able to stand up for my rights and not allow heavy hearts walk all over me. I stood my ground even though I was jaded by how futile was the entire inanity. I could not be intimidated by any inflictions, people need to grow up and realise that to spite a certain someone is to spite on your own face.

I really wish that as lesbians we could stand together at all times. We are already facing homophobia, sexism (from male chauvinists), racism, etc. why do we still have to oppress each other – our own kind? I find it quite dreadful to write about this pessimism that has become a dull reality to such flamboyancy. I hope souls will learn to appreciate themselves and mediate upon self.

Gratitude to the well wishes from my loved ones to enjoy Durban and to really have fun. Those words dwelled and manifested in me through it all. Thank you to all those with good intentions from the crew and from the hosts, your benevolence is well appreciated.

I will forever cherish the tranquillity of Umlazi, the warm sea and the Muholi family’s hospitality.

Si se thekwini
Si khuluma isiZulu
Si sika iKhekhe
Si dhabula amanzi
Si hlephula unyaka
Si ghamula inyama
Si hlukanisa u 2014
Si ngena ku 2015

Like the incision of the umbilical cord, independence and life begins; so is the joy of starting a new year.

Here is a translation of what is above mentioned in isiZulu.

We are in Durban
We speak isiZulu
We cut cake
We tear water (swimming in the ocean)
We split the year
We break meat (grill meat)
We separate 2014
We enter 2015

Previous by Lebo Mashifane

2014 Dec. 28: Javas & Mashadi’s pre wedding lunch
and
2014 Dec. 24: My pleasant Christmas

Book review
by Lonwabo Mlabatheki

The first time I read about the book was on the net and that’s when I told myself, this book is a must have. Not knowing it captured photographs of faces I was familiar with and of people I knew personally.

When I was finally presented with an opportunity to read the book, it was like a dream come true. The cover on its own was enough to steal my heart, before I could even read the content.
Those who attended the Johannesburg launch at the Market Photo Workshop on the 7th Nov. 2014  only gave me a glimpse about it. My curiosity grew wanting to read it. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read and go through it.

As an emotional being, I developed an emotional relationship with Faces and Phases 2006-14, caused by the few stories with a happy ending. It took me through an emotional roller coaster ride.
I shed a tear, smiled and drooled over a few Lesbian women and transmen who were pleasing to the eye.

As a “word porn star” some pieces captured my heart.
”They might swear at us as much as they want to, beat us up, rape and murder us, but they won’t get to our souls. Our inner beauty will be expressed in every special way”

This piece awakened my activism demon. At times I think that as activists we are fighting a losing battle. Yes we march, sing, chant and write, but only a few listen to our silent cries.
It arose the wilted rose of hope in my heart, to help me continue fighting for my rights and believe in my dreams as a change maker.

Though many stories are about brutality and sexual violence, the story about changing the word victim into victory made me realise that nothing beats forgiveness and accepting things you can’t change.

An activist’s portrait, Funeka Soldaat Makhaza, captured in Khayelitsha Cape Town in 2010

As an aspiring journalist and an activist, I enjoyed reading stories and seeing faces of icons I look up to, the likes of Nkuzi Nkabinde, Funeka Soldaat, Dikeledi Sibanda, Lerato Dumse, Ayanda “Sister A” Magoloza, just to name a few, Faces and Phases 2006-14 painted a clear picture that change doesn’t occur in one night. Rome wasn’t built in a day. The struggle still continues and it’s in our hands to combat such issues and not dwell much into pain and share our success stories too.

Participant in Faces and Phases, Nkunzi Nkabinde, photo was taken in Braamfontein Johannesburg in 2008

Faces and Phases 2006-2014 has context about issues or challenges we struggle with in all walks of life. As people experiencing Gender Based Violence, patriarchy in the workplace, grievances, achievements, religion, culture, beliefs and acceptance by our friends, families, colleagues, communities and the society at large.

It consists of biographies, poems, articles and stories shared by my fellow queers about their past and present experiences worldwide.

 
Author’s bio

Lonwabo Mlabatheki is a 22 year old aspiring journalist, writer and a Human Rights activist. She is into performing arts, traveling, public speaking and love to explore and experiment with new things.

Related links

2015 Jan. 5: An ally shares her perspective

by Shaz “Sicka” Mthunzi

Year 2014

A great year has passed, 2014 was a very productive year for me. When it (year) began I wrote down a few goals I wanted to achieve and to my surprise, I achieved them and a whole lot more.

Year 2014 has given me a lot of lessons about my music career, and I have faced a lot of challenges but that didn’t break my spirit to carry on doing music. My greatest achievement in the past year includes earning the tittle of Mr Lesbian Daveyton 2014, being featured in Zanele Muholi’s book, Faces and Phases 2006-14, and not forgetting my music career growing. Year 2014 was not all great, as I also lost my cousin, a patient and my dog (Rex).

L-R: Cousins and friends, Ntuthu Mduba and Shaz Mthunzi both from Daveyton also featuring in Faces and Phases. Photo taken by Lindeka Qampi on the 7th Nov. 2014

Durban experience

I woke up the morning of December 29 2014 with a smile on my face. Not because I was going to Durban, but because I was going with my inkanyiso crew. I had arrived late in Johannesburg (Parktown) the previous night were we all met. On my way there I witnessed taxi drivers in a physical fight not even thinking about their passengers. When I arrived in Park Town I met Lebo Mashifane for the first time, she is such a pure soul and we connected like we knew each other for a long time.

After a few minutes we were joined by, Katiso Kgope, Collen Mfazwe and her girlfriend Nonkululeko Sandiba. On the morning of departure we prepared ourselves, but as usual, our father Muholi was the last one to come out. So we went to fetch Charmain Carrol, Akhona Hailele and her girlfriend Zandile Makhubu. When we returned Zanele had still not come out, after several minutes she came out.

While she dragged her luggage Phumlani Mdlalose took a video of our movements. Finally we left Joburg and Lebo blessed us with a short prayer for our journey. Zanele hired a taxi with a great driver, making the road trip a great experience. We took pictures at every stop; talked, laughed and had short naps while the sun was blazing.

When we arrived in Durban we drove past the beach just to see its beauty and smell the breeze. We then went to Zanele’s warm home in Umlazi, were we met her sisters, nephews and nieces. The first thing we did when we arrived was a meeting, to talk about chores and what we want to do for entertainment and also help each other to avoid conflicts and drama. Later that night Charmain cooked us a great meal.

The next day we woke up very early, the weather was drizzling but that didn’t stop us from going to the beach. When we got to the beach, I had to first ask my ancestors (amadlozi wase manzini and umnikazi wamanzi) if I could swim and have fun because if I didn’t, they might take me under the water. After that it was splash in the water and it was so soothing and refreshing. We took pictures and Zanele suggested we dig holes and bury ourselves with our heads out. While I was digging mine I felt something moving, when I looked, it was a crab. I greeted it, because it was a good sign from my ancestors, Zanele captured its movements.

Later that evening we returned to Umlazi. While we were waiting for midnight we had a few drinks while some danced. We had fun and it was great seeing Zanele dancing. When 00:00am struck I went outside, said a short prayer, then it was fire works everywhere. The view in Umlazi was extraordinary; Lebo and I climbed on the roof to get a proper view, while our phones kept on ringing.

On New Year’s Day it was back to the beach with Zanele’s family and we met Collen’s friend Lebo Memela and her family; she has a sweet mother who reminded me of my own mother. I wish all parents with homosexual children would love and support them. The next day we were invited to Lebo Memela’s house for lunch in KwaMashu. When we got there, a table was set and we were hungry and Lebo’s mum offered us mouth-watering food, before serving beverages.

On the 3^rd of Jan 2015 we went to meet ugogo nomkhulu Menziwa, who are both lesbian. It was fascinating and an eye opener. Gogo shared a story of how they met, then mkhulu blessed us with one of the songs he wrote, whil I shared a few lines from my LGBTI song about justice. I was pleased to hear that mkhulu agreed to work with me on a song when he is feeling better. I love and respect old people because I believe without them our generation is lost.

2015 Jan. 3: Our group photo with new friends taken at Luh’s place in Umlazi township

Later that day Zanele’s friend Lu Cele invited us for a braai (we had drinks then there was a little misunderstanding about our drinks but we sorted it out the next morning and apologized to Lu). On the first Sunday of 2015 we went to Victory Ministries Church International (VMCI) a church with individuals like us. The church service was great, warm and welcoming. It started at 11:00am and finished at 4pm. It felt like it was less than that because it was fun and educational. It is great to be part of a church that you won’t be uncomfortable about being homosexual. Later we went to Musgrave Mall and had supper then when we got home, the girls went out partying since it was our last night. While the ladies went out, we as the boys sat and finished our last few drinks then it was off to bed.

The next morning we prepared for our departure, Zanele, Lerato, Charmain, Phumlani and Zanele’s two sisters accompanied us, they remained in Durban because of work. Goodbyes are not so great, but it was great being with everyone and getting to know them. My highlight about Durban was gazing at the awesome views the city has.

2015 resolutions

I’m not really a person who does new year resolutions but I see myself getting my drivers license, applying for a VISA, working on our 2^nd album, getting air play on almost every radio station, shooting music videos, finishing my studies, not letting anything stop me from achieving greatness. Since I’m turning 21 this year on September the 22^nd, my fans and friends should expect growth in everything I produce. This is “20 Fit In” which means in everything I do I will fit in, and blend in like a chameleon.

The first wedding we documented together. With different members of Inkanyiso crew.

… It was that of Pinky and Qondi Zulu (2012 Dec. 22)

Location:  Seaview, Durban.

Kissing are Pinky & Qondi Zulu as they  were married, union blessed by Pastor Z. Zungu.
2012/12/22

Related links

2013 June 15:  The Durban Lesbian Wedding of the Year

by Lerato Dumse

Lillestrøm, Norway, is how successful South African photographer/artivist, Zanele Muholi, kicks off her traveling schedule for the year 2015.

Apart from on-going shows such as her Midsumma exhibition in Australia, titled Visual Activism. Black and White portraits from her lifetime project, Faces and Phases series will be installed at the Norway Centre between February 21 and March 29 2015. The work emanates from Muholi’s need to document and archive the existence of black lesbians, homosexuals and transsexuals in South Africa and beyond. The visual activist believes in making different sexual orientations and gender expressions common. The exhibition will be accompanied by debates and lectures all happening in consecutive days, as well as an opportunity to interact with the award-winning photographer.

Muholi has also been selected for the 2015 Outstanding International Alumni Award at Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada, where she completed a Master of Fine Arts degree in Documentary Media.
The University Gallery, Ryerson Image Centre, exhibited 36 of her Faces and Phases work between May and August 2014, with the aim of coinciding with the celebration of World Pride 2014, in Toronto.

On arrival at Oslo airport, Norway welcomed by Tor Samuelsen of Akerhus Art Center. L-R: Mbali Msweli, Tor, ‘Sicka’ Nonkululeko Mthunzi, Msa Muholi and Themba Vilakazi. Photo by Zanele Muholi (2015/02/11)

Akershus Art Centre is an art institution that presents, mediates and debates contemporary art, through exhibitions in gallery and specific art activities. This awaited exhibition is curated by, Rikke Komissar, Liva Mork and Tor Arne Samuelsen and will reveal both old and new photographs by Muholi, including videos.

In Oslo, Norway for the first time is our Daveyton hip hop artist and also Faces and Phases participant, Nonkululeko ‘Shaz’ Mthunzi aka Sicka Star-ban Jones…

Sharon Shaz Mthunzi, Daveyton Johannesburg (2013). Photos by Zanele Muholi.

As usual, Muholi is travelling with a participant from the F&P series. Nonkululeko “Sicka” Mthunzi, a Hip Hop artist and reigning Mr. Lesbian Daveyton, is the latest participant to travel abroad. Muholi travels with participants as part of the, learn and share experience, which allows participants access impassable platforms, to self articulate, to learn from different cultures and further gain exposure.

This is not the first time that Muholi has shared her work in Norway. In 2013 she exhibited at the Kunstplass 5 gallery, while the Crown Princess of Norway Mette-Marit, graced the event with a special visit to the gallery to meet Muholi, as well as to see the, ‘I See Rainbows’ exhibition.

Among the many highlights anticipated in the year 2015, Muholi has been shortlisted for the much acclaimed, Deutsche Börse Photography Prize award. The nomination follows her latest photo book, Faces and Phases 2006-14. Her portraits are described as “tender and unflinching,” and coupled with testimonies of the South African LGBTI community.

Other awards won by this talented photographer include, the Index on Censorship, Prince Claus and Carnegie International Fine Prize 2013. Muholi has participated in a number of large exhibitions, like dOCUMENTA 13 (2012), the 2013 Venice Biennale, and DakArt 2014. She is an honorary professor at the University of Arts/Hochschule für Künste Bremen in Germany.

For more information or to arrange an interview with Zanele, please do not hesitate to contact dumselerato@gmail.com or 060 478 9798.
Muholi will be in Oslo from 11-26 February 2015.

Previous links

2013 June 21: The Princess of Norway pitched just for Muholi

and

2013 June 20: Inkanyiso Sees The Rainbows with Norwegians

and

2013 June 21: Yesterday’s Reality Check

by Thuli Mchunu

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the team that made the Faces and Phases 2006-14 photobook come alive. When I laid my hands on the book my eyes were itching to read it, but unfortunately I was socializing with people so I couldn’t. I got home around 2:00 am and I said to myself, let me first read about my home girl Miss Pamella Dlungwana.

Pam Dlungwana featuring in Faces and Phases, photo taken by Zanele Muholi, Woodstock, Cape Town (2010)

As I was paging through I came across so many familiar faces. I tried to steal one or two sentences, but ended up reading the whole story. I heard the rooster and peeped through the window, it was dawn already, when I checked the time it was 04:45 am.

I love the way the book has been done, the layout of the stories, I also love the fact that it relates to each and everyone who lives a homosexual life. When I complement the layout it is because you can pick and choose whom you want to read about and the stories go straight to the point. Even a person who is not a bookworm can read and finish this book.

No one tells the story better than the owner of the story. The books that we normally read, which tackle homosexuality, are mostly based on research and assumptions. However with Faces and Phases, it is the real people and they are telling their true-life stories. To my surprise my daughter who is 25 years of age is so glued to this publication, and says, “mmmhh Mah it’s not easy out there yoooo!!!!!! I love you my Mom.”

That tells me that the book is not only for lesbians, she even asked me to borrow her friend when I finished reading.

Related articles

2015 Jan. 11: “Recognizing faces that graced the walls”

and

2014 Nov. 20: Faces and Phases book Review by Kea Modise – Moloto

by Londeka Dlamini

Basagcinwe estokisini abasolwa abane malungana necala lokudlwengulwa nokukhuthuzwa kowesifazane oneminyaka engamashumi amathathu nanye (31) wasendaweni ya KwaZakhele esifundazweni sase Eastern Cape.

Lelicala liqulwa enkantolo ephakeme kwelinye lamadolobha i-Port Elizabeth kuso lesi sifundazwe.

Labalisa abaneminyaka ephakathi kwengamashumi amabili nambili kuya kwengamashumi amabili nane (22-24) okungu Sonwabo Ngcete, Khuselo Manta, Siyamthanda Ndiza kanye no Siyabonga Mhlangu bangene ebhokisini lofakazi ngesonto eledlule bonke bezichitha lezinsolo ababhekene nazo.

Ngokusho kwabalisa ababili ababona ukusuka nokuhlala kwalesisigameko bathi kwakusentatha kusa mhla zingu-29 ku Masingana (January) onyakeni ka 2012 bona beqhamuka endaweni yokucima ukoma babona labasolwa abane beshaya ummangali elele phansi bemshaya bephindelela emgwaqeni uNosidima khona endaweni ya Kwa Zakhele.

Bathi omunye walabasolwa waphimisa amazwi athi “Ngizokukhombisa ukuthi awuyona indoda”, kulapho ababili kulabasolwa bazitika ngocansi kulona wesifazane.

Baqhuba bathi laba abanye ababili abasolwa besalinde elabo ithuba owesifazane othize wavula ifasitela wamemeza emzini oseduze nomgwaqo babaleka bonke abasolwa beshiya ummangali endaweni yesigameko.

Lona wesifazane watholakala ekuseni sekukhanya, amalungu omphakathi azisa abomndeni wakhe.

Watholakala eshayeke kanzima engakhulumi, engakwazi kwenza lutho, entshontshelwe nezimpahla ezifika emalini elinganiselwa ku R1 200 ayezigqokile ummangali.

UManta, ongomunye wabasolwa ephekwa ngemibuzo ebhokisini lofakazi uchazele inkantolo ukuthi yena no mmangali babethandana.

Uthi lona wesifazane wamcela ukuba angazisi muntu ngobudlelwano babo ngoba waziwa njengestabane endaweni.

Umshushisi u-Andre Canary ube esethi ucwaningo lodokotela (DNA test) olwenziwa ku mmangali luveza ukuthi uManta wazabela ngocansi kulona wesifazane.

Abasolwa bevela enkantolo ngecala ababhekene nalo. (Picture by Londeka Dlamini)

Omunye wabasolwa uthi labalisa ababili abathi bazibonela ngawabo isigameko bayamsulela ngenxa yengxabano eyake yabaphakathi kwabo.

Khona manjalo no mmangali ulandise inkantolo ngalomshophi owamehlela.

Uthi ezama ukubaleka washawa ngetshe ekhanda okwamenza aphelelwe amandla angakwazi kwenza lutho.

Uqhube wathi wahlala amasonto amathathu ephazamisekile, engakwazi kwenza lutho.

Okumzwisa ubuhlungu ummangali ukuthi usehlale eba nenkinga yekhanda abuye aquleke kusukela ashayeka kanzima, lokhu sekuze kumphazamise nasemsebenzini wakhe.

Uphethe ngokuthi akabazi labasolwa, ababili ubazi ngokubabona endaweni okungu Mhlangu kanye no Ndiza.

Uthi yena lokhu aqala ukungena kwezothando akakaze azibandakanye nomuntu weslisa, ekusho kugcwala umlomo ukuthi yena uthandana nobulili obufana nobakhe “I am lesbian”.

Kanti kulindeleke kuqhubeke ukuthulwa kobufakazi enkantolo, icala liyaqhubeka.

Previous by Londeka

2014 Feb. 2: Bayanda abefundisi eVMCI

… from ZaVa series (2015/02/25) in Ulm, Germany.

Photo Album

by Nontuthuzelo Mduba, Themba Vilakazi and Zanele Muholi

2015 Feb. 10:  Shaz aka “Sicka Starban” Mthunzi was lucky enough to be accompanied by her family to the airport. Her mother is standing on the far left (wearing a yellow top).

2015 Feb.10:  Checking in point. Shaz ‘Sicka’ was dead worried for not saying proper goodbyes to her family but later did…

2015 Feb.10:  Before departure, brothers called those who were closest to them.Msa and Themba could not stop leaving to those they love… I guess.

2015 Feb. 10:  The beautiful poser, Mbali Msweli did not care much about the delayed flight. It was late for 1.5 hrs…

2015 Feb.11:  Msa spoke for almost the whole night longing for safe arrival. 
He begged us to pray before our departure…

2015 Feb. 10:  The hip hop star, Sicka could not even enjoy the movies due to exhaustion…

2015 Feb. 10:  The person who is supposed to take our photos is s… sleeping now. I had to be careful not to catch the flu that he suffered… The is Themba for you…

2015 Feb. 10: This photo was taken 3 hrs after the plane took off…

2015 Feb. 11:  On arrival at Oslo airport, welcomed by Tor Samuelsen who is holding a paper with our names…

2015 Feb. 11:  Shaz aka Sicka Starban at Oslo airport before we boarded the train to the city and connected to the Lillestrom

2015 Feb. 11:  It is so damn cold here. We’ve been warned…  As we pitched at the Akerhus Art Center where the my exhibition will be opened on Sat. 21/02/2015.

The theme of the exhibition is…

2015 Feb. 12:  Day after our arrival had to come to the Art Center for installation. Here the guys are busy mounting Faces and Phases portraits on the wall…

2015 Feb. 12:  Every edge matters…

2015 Feb. 12:  It is important that the photos are handled with care…

2015 Feb.12:  Measurements and inches are key…

Next week will have dialogues and other activities after the exhibition opening…

 
Previous from Oslo visits

2013 June 21: The Princess of Norway pitched just for Muholi

and

2013 June 20 Inkanyiso Sees The Rainbows with Norwegians

and

2013 June 21: Yesterday’s Reality Check

by Shaz ‘Sicka Star-ban’ Mthunzi

First I became the 2014 Mr Lesbian Daveyton. Now being abroad for the first time feels more like a prize which is the lifetime opportunity I will never forget.‬

‪While most people were busy planning their new year’s resolutions, I was excited about going overseas to Norway.

It is not every homosexual pageant that the winner is taken overseas. I’m honored to receive this as a prize. Being overseas is not only for me, but I am representing the LGBTI youth from Daveyton township and surrounding areas in South Africa.

I sit and take time to thank the Lord and my ancestors, because while I receive something, somewhere out there someone’s virginity is taken, and thinking of a woman or child being violated – raped. Or a teenager high on drugs.  So I’m very blessed and grateful for my life.‬

Shaz aka Sicka Star-ban Jones posing in front of the photos to be on exhibition featuring Siba & Christie.
Photo by Zanele Muholi (2015/02/18)

‪

I waited for all my documents to be emailed by our hosts from Akershus Art Center in Oslo, Norway. As soon as we received the documents which were my flight ticket, invitation letter and travel insurance. I already had my passport and all that was left was to apply for a visa.

Hearing negativity about applying for a visa from different people made me anxious because I didn’t want anything to ruin my opportunity to go overseas. To be honest it was my first time hearing about a country called Norway so it was an intriguing idea to find out what kind of place it was.

Before applying I started with a little ritual to ask my ancestors if they had allowed me to go, because I cannot do anything without consulting with my ancestors, as they are a part of me.

On the 17th of January 2015 I began with the online visa application. It had a long application form which took me about an hour to finish. I must say the internet helped me, and now I know the internet is not only for entertainment.

After I completed the form I was asked to choose which Norwegian Embassy will be closer to me between Pretoria, Durban and Cape town and I chose Pretoria. Then I had to  pay online, I was confused because I’ve never paid for anything online, so my mother helped me.

The visa cost us R843 which I found to be very outrageous because my passport cost me R400 and it expires after 10years, but a visa which is only for 16days cost me R843. I thought to myself traveling overseas is expensive. I then booked for an  appointment on the 19th, I remember being impatient wanting the days to move faster so that I can do my interview.

On the 19th of January, it was a  Monday morning, we woke up at 05:30 and prepared. When we were done preparing for our journey to Pretoria (Tshwane), my mom called ubab’ Andile Gila. He is my mom’s partner and is a very sweet and kind man who respects and understands my mother. I am very happy my mum has found someone who will make her feel special. Its not everybody who has good things to say about their step fathers, I love and respect him so does my little sister and we will always cherish the moments we have with him. Okay, back to the story, at 07:00 he drove us to Pretoria at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, I used my GPS to navigate the area.

We arrived at 08:30 and we were 30min early, the security guard told us he will let us in at 09:00 because that is when they open.

I was nervous when I went inside with my mum by my side. We were greeted by a lady who set in the opposite room with just a glass separating us. She asked for my name and I told her and she checked a piece of paper and called my ID number and I agreed it was mine. Then she rudely asked for my documents without reading anything she asked what am I going to do in Norway and how long will I be staying there, I gave a smile and answered her while inside I was disgusted buy her attitude.

She then gave me a clean blank paper and asked me to write on it what I’m going  to do. I wrote and gave her back the paper and she asked me to go to interview room number 2.
I set in front of a computer screen with a camera, place with a glass with a red light and a glass with a green light.

She came in other room and spoke on the microphone and told me to look at the camera. After, I was asked to place my fingers, excluding my thumbs, on the red lighted glass, then my thumbs and lastly put my signature on the green lighted glass.

When we were done she went and checked my documents asked who is going to pay for my spending and I told her everything is written and she insisted I get a paper that says who will be in charge of my expenses. I called Muholi and she called our hosts from Norway to write one, I asked the embassy employee for her email address, then forwarded it to Muholi, before leaving the place.

Waiting for my visa was made me more and more anxious. It was like I was losing my mind, I’m lucky to have my mum because she was the one who calmed me down.

23:45 on the 29th I received an email saying my “visa has been granted.” I screamed and my mum came to my room thinking ngivukwe yidlozi and when I told her the good news she cried tears of joy. We called bab’ Andile and we all rejoiced, Mbali my little sister woke up and we stayed up and she forgot she was going to school.

I went to fetch my passport the following week when I got there, to my surprise, the lady was kind and not rude she gave me my passport and I signed for it.‬

‪
Day 1‬
Tuesday 10/02/2015
‪At 16:30 babu Andile fetched me at home to take me to the airport and I was accompanied my Mbali and my cousin Nontuthuzelo Maduba, my mom was on her way to the airport from work.

On our way I contacted the people I was going with which was Zanele Muholi the person who made this happen, Themba Vilakazi a filmmaker who is capturing our movements, Richard “Msa” Muholi (Z’s brother) and his friend Mbali MsweIi.

We got there and we found them wrapping bags and we greeted everyone while bab’ Andile went to fetch mum. When I was at the airport it was then that I realized it is happening ‘I’m going overseas oh What a dream come true,’ I thought.

At about 17:45 we went to check in, I said my good byes to my family. when we were at the boarding gate
we got an announcement that the flight has been delayed. It was suppose to depart at 20:30 but it was an hour and a half late, which to me was very unacceptable because when you are late the flight will not wait for you and yet we have to understand.

The first flight we took was from Johannesburg to Switzerland which took 10hours but to me the 10hours felt like a few hours because of the time I we slept through the night.
The adrenaline that you experience when the plane lifts off is weakening, I could almost feel gravity pulling me down, as well as the plane’s movements.

On the plane we had supper at 22:15 some chicken with mash potatoes and gravy with some vegetables, then slept. We woke up around 06:20am(RSA time). I had breakfast some bun with cheese and coffee. We then reached our first destination, which was Switzerland.

We met security guards who were very rude and full of attitude. The first one approached us and asked for our passports, then asked, “what are we doing here?
How long are we staying?”
Sadly, it was only us that he asked, Its like because we are black and traveling as a pack. The second incident was at the examining area were there were 6 of them, while our bags were being checked Mbali’s passport went missing and we asked the guard to please scan our bags again, they were so rude, speaking their language, for us to not understand.

They said there is nothing they would do, we should go to immigration, on our way there Muholi searched her bags again and we found the passport, which was placed in the bag just to delay us. After that drama we rushed to our next flight to Germany Frankfort and luckily they were waiting for us. From Frankfurt we boarded a flight to Norway Oslo, on our way I could see snow all over and while we were high up in the clouds I saw the beautiful image of the sun. Pity for the people on the ground couldn’t get the sunlight because it was covered by clouds.

We took a train to Lillestrom a small town where Akershus Art Center is located. We were tired and hungry when we arrived there. Tor took us to the shops to buy food we had lunch before meeting Rikke Kommisar who is the director at the Akershus Kunstsenter.

When we arrived in our apartment we were given rules, one of them stating that, “it is a Scandinavian rule not to wear shoes inside the house, turn off heater, and noise levels must be down after 11pm.

Recycling is very serious here because for every dustbin has 3 plastics, one for plastic, one for food waste and last one for paper. The time frame in Norway and South Africa is the same, the difference is that when its winter in Norway, they change the time and put it an hour later, due to their short days.‬

‪     ‬

‪Day 2‬
Thursday 12/02/2015 

‪The temperature is very low this time of the year in this part of the world. On this day it is -2 degrees. I woke up in the morning, took a bath, had breakfast and started reading a book titled “Black Bull, Ancestors and Me”by Nkunzi Zandile Nkabinde. It is a book I find very interesting since I’m a healer. He talks about the challenges he faced before accepting and going for training to be a healer. Muholi and Themba went to the gallery to instal. I fetched Msa and Mbali from the hotel they where booked at. We went to the Botanical garden\nature historic museum which is not far from where we stay. It has a lot of exotic plant like the “Ocimum basilica, thymus vulgaris, fredrik VLs bank and many more.

We took pictures but couldn’t explore the whole place because the ice was too slippery. We also visited Munch museum but couldn’t enter because we didn’t have Norwegian money. We visited the nearest train station called Toyen and we asked around for directions to where the foreign exchange outlet is.

Mbali was too tired and cold so she decided to go back to their apartment. Msa and I proceeded along asking until we were directed to a place called Forex which is a Norwegian foreign exchange outlet. Msa changed R1000 and received 500 krones which is Norwegian currency. We took a walk around town and went inside a second hand shop were Msa bought a jacket for 100krone.

Then we went to Mac Donald’s and bought 3 big Mac and discovered in Norway it costs 65 krones, while in RSA it costs R45. Things are very expensive this side of the world.

While walking back we met a lot of different people like a very generous post man who asked us were we from, when we told him “South Africa” he shouted ‘Amandla’ and we laughed.

Later that evening we met up with Muholi, Themba and Rikke and we took a train to an art exhibition that Rikke was invited to. Their train moves almost as our very own Grautrain. We got off and walked a few meters and on our way we passed the Nobel Peace Center. Eventually we got to the exhibition and we were the only black people there. it was good to explore different kinds of art pieces from different places.

‪Most people we have met tell us that we chose a good time to visit Oslo because a few weeks ago the temperature was -20 degrees. I’m imagining South Africa having that kind of temperature and I think of those who are homeless, walking in the streets of Oslo I see old people sitting in the cold begging and this makes me realize how lucky I am.‬

Day 3‪
Friday 13/02/2015 

‪Themba, Msa and Muholi went to the gallery and I was left with Mbali. We took a stroll down town and took pictures, later we were disturbed by rain and we went indoors and had coffee.‬
Day 4‬
‪Saturday 14/02/2015 

‪Waking up to the nice cold weather full of love since it is Valentine’s day. I got up and hit the road. I took a very long walk alone just to familiarize myself with the place and to teach myself how to use the Canon 1100D camera. When I returned, Mbali and Msa had arrived at our apartment, we all sat indoors while I help Msa with his social networks and uploading pictures from the previous
days. I also wished my loved ones a very good Valentine’s Day without me.

Rikke and her husband invited us for dinner but before going there we went to central city and the mall to buy the few things we needed. Msa bought flowers for Rikke, while he and Mbali could not join us for dinner. Rikke, Simon her husband, their two lovely children Lucas and Olivia and their trouble some cat which likes going in and out after every 5 minutes welcomed us in their home with warmth and love. We had a great dinner with champagne, red wine, meat, salads,dessert and good Norwegian music, later on while we were sitting and chatting Muholi was not feeling well so she took a nap on the couch while Themba and I  continued enjoying Rikke’s family company.

We were there until midnight and missed the last bus but luckily we caught the last train. I must say I’m in love with this place because of its quietness, the weather because I’m
not keen about hot weather.‬

Day 5‬
‪Sunday‬ 15/02/2015 

‪A great morning indeed. It was snowing and I was skiing day and excited because it was our first time. Rikke was kind enough to take us there with her lovely children. I enjoyed every moment when we went down the slope while Muholi and Themba captured every moment.

Rikke shared a Norwegian drink which helped us keep warm it has black berries with hot water. The ice was all over my face when I went down the slope but eventually, I got the hang of it. I think skiing is my 3rd favorite sport after cricket and swimming. I didn’t even realize it was cold because I had this rush in me full of excitement. It is not everyday that you get an opportunity to go overseas. Therefore, I must enjoy this time to the fullest.

After that long day, Rikke dropped us off at home and we all had a nice hot shower, and I could still feel the rush in me from skiing.‬

… sliding with Themba.

… all by myself

I fell so many times but kept on going up and start again.
This is one of the shots taken upon descending from the icy mountain.

‪

Related links

2015 Feb. 13: From Johannesburg to Oslo

and

2015 Feb. 10: Another round for Norway

and
Previous from Oslo visits

2013 June 21: The Princess of Norway pitched just for Muholi

and

2013 June 20 Inkanyiso Sees The Rainbows with Norwegians

and

2013 June 21: Yesterday’s Reality Check